About Us — Strings & Keys

Music is an outburst of the soul

FREDERIC DELIUS

Strings and Keys obtained its start when Jessica La and Roberto Michels found themselves working for the same music school teaching private music lessons. Their friendship and shared passion for music quickly turned into a collaboration which allows them to express their individual musical styles while providing superb musical entertainment for clients at all types of functions and events.

berto (1).jpeg

Jessica La is a pianist holding a Bachelor of Music Degree and a specialization in Music Education from the University of Toronto. She has also earned the Piano Specialist designation as a certified teacher with the Royal Conservatory of Music, is a member of the Toronto Musicians' Association, Local 149 of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM), and a music teacher registered with the Ontario Registered Music Teachers' Association (ORMTA) and the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers' Association (CFMTA).

Jessica began her musical journey in classical piano at the age of three, and has studied with a number of talented music teachers who helped sculpt the music career that she has today

While mastering classical piano, Jessica expanded her musical talents by learning trumpet, trombone and euphonium, which allowed her to perform with a plethora of local and international musicians. With over 17 years of professional musical experience working as a freelance session musician, composer/arranger, and private instructor.

berto (1).jpeg

Roberto Michels is a violinist holding a Bachelor of Music degree with Honours and a specialization in Music Education from the University of Western Ontario.

Roberto's passion for music began at age three, having been entranced by a violinist on TV and deciding that he would master this wonderful instrument. From that point on, he has focused on perfecting his technique and dedicating his life to a career in music performance.

It was during his university years where his interests evolved from music performance to music education. Currently, he is a music teacher with the Toronto Catholic District School Board as well as a private teacher to violin, piano, and guitar students young and old.